(SEM III) THEORY EXAMINATION 2021-22 ENERGY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

This question paper is from the B.Tech Semester III examination for the subject Energy Science and Engineering (KOE033).
It carries 100 marks and covers the complete syllabus related to energy fundamentals, nuclear physics, solar energy, geothermal energy, wind energy, conservation techniques, and environmental sustainability.

The exam duration is 3 hours, and the paper is divided into three structured sections: A, B, and C, each designed to test conceptual knowledge, analytical ability, and engineering-level understanding.

SECTION A – Short Answer Questions (20 Marks)

This section contains 10 questions of 2 marks each, covering core concepts:

Entropy and the statement “entropy of universe tends to be maximum”

BTU (British Thermal Unit) significance

Fusion vs fission nuclear reactions

Binding energy dependence on atomic number

Working of solar cells

Solar radiation terms: latitude angle, hour angle

Warm springs in geothermal energy

Limitations of OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)

Energy audit and its types

Alternatives to tackle global energy crisis

These questions test basic definitions, scientific principles, and fundamental energy concepts.
 

SECTION B – Analytical & Theoretical Questions (30 Marks)

Students must attempt any three out of five questions (each 10 marks). Topics include:

Concept of quantum and quantization of energy

Nuclear forces and energy scales in nuclear energy

P-type vs N-type semiconductor with band diagrams

Tidal power plant — working principle, advantages, limitations, India’s status

Nuclear waste disposal methods & understanding the energy crisis

This section evaluates the student’s ability to explain principles, differentiate technologies, and elaborate energy systems.

SECTION C – Long, Engineering-Oriented Questions (50 Marks)

This section has five major questions, each with two choices. Students must attempt one part from each.

Q3 – Thermodynamic Cycles (10 marks)

Carnot heat engine working with P-V & T-S diagrams

OR Phase change energy conversion + Rankine cycle with diagram

Q4 – Nuclear Energy (10 marks)

Binding energy curve, stability, fusion & fission explanation

OR nuclear fission reactor design + PWR (Pressurized Water Reactor)

Q5 – Semiconductor & Solar PV (10 marks)

Carrier transport, generation, recombination, semiconductor junction physics

OR Solar PV cell: construction, working, performance curve, fill factor, efficiency

Q6 – Wind & Geothermal Energy (10 marks)

Fluid dynamics of wind energy, Betz law, rotor blade effects

OR Geothermal power plant construction, working & limitations

Q7 – Environment & Conservation (10 marks)

Global warming and its environmental impact

OR energy conservation principles, lighting systems, LEED ratings, green building & green architecture

This section assesses engineering applications, diagrams, cycle analysis, environmental understanding, and renewable energy mechanisms.

OVERALL SUMMARY

The Energy Science and Engineering (KOE033) question paper provides a comprehensive evaluation of:

Thermodynamics & entropy

Nuclear energy fundamentals

Semiconductor and solar PV concepts

Tidal, wind, and geothermal energy systems

Energy conservation methods

Green buildings & environmental sustainability

Global energy crisis solutions

It tests both theoretical clarity and practical engineering understanding, preparing students for advanced energy-related fields.